2022/03/14 by Ivy C. Mason, Daniela Grimaldi, Kathryn J. Reid +4 · 1 voice
Environmental Science · Medicine · Neuroscience · #Circadian rhythm and melatonin #Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control #Impact of Light on Environment and Health
paper · doi:10.1073/pnas.2113290119
openalex publication_date 2022/03/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/18
SignificanceAmbient nighttime light exposure is implicated as a risk factor for adverse health outcomes, including cardiometabolic disease. However, the effects of nighttime light exposure during sleep on cardiometabolic outcomes and the related mechanisms are unclear. This laboratory study shows that, in healthy adults, one night of moderate (100 lx) light exposure during sleep increases nighttime heart rate, decreases heart rate variability (higher sympathovagal balance), and increases next-morning insulin resistance when compared to sleep in a dimly lit (<3 lx) environment. Moreover, a positive relationship between higher sympathovagal balance and insulin levels suggests that sympathetic activation may play a role in the observed light-induced changes in insulin sensitivity.